Tag: Source: honeytrek.com

When discussing seasoned long-term travelers and bloggers in this field, our acquaintance Matt Kepnes from [Nomadic Matt](https://www.nomadicmatt.com/) stands as a clear expert. He’s a travel media guru, and we’re privileged that he has invited us to present at his conferences, conduct webinars for the Nomadic Network community, and contribute articles for his website. We share a conviction in the transformative nature of slow travel and that this life-altering experience isn’t just for the affluent. In fact, traveling on a budget is a savvy strategy that not only conserves funds but frequently results in richer, more local experiences…and that, my friends, is where the enchantment occurs! (More on this in our interview with Nomadic Matt, below!)

To discover how to have a lifetime filled with remarkable travel experiences without overspending, Matt’s latest publication, *[How to Travel the World on $75 a Day](https://amzn.to/4iHKpRU)*, is essential. The latest edition of this *New York Times* bestseller effectively addresses the significant transformations in the travel industry in recent years and provides an encouraging outlook for the future. Loaded with relevant and very specific advice, the 368-page book is divided into three segments: trip planning, expenses while traveling, and global travel by region. While reading it, we found ourselves nodding in complete agreement, simultaneously impressed by the clever suggestions and new resources it introduced.

## NOMADIC MATT INTERVIEW

There is a wealth of knowledge to gain from this book and the author! Hence, we are delighted to present our Q&A with Matt Kepnes, discussing his journey into a life of travel, the inspiration behind *How to Travel the World on $75 a Day,* and insights you can glean from this vital travel guide.

### Before diving into your new book, share a little about yourself…

During a trip to Thailand in 2005, I was inspired by some backpackers to leave my job and travel for a year. I departed in 2006, but instead of being away for just a year, I ended up traveling for 18 months. When I returned in 2008, I established my blog, [nomadicmatt.com](https://www.nomadicmatt.com/), as a means to secure freelance writing assignments that would allow me to continue traveling. Largely because very few people were documenting how to travel long-term on a budget and there was a demand for this elusive information, the website flourished, and one day I woke up to realize I had built a career! I’ve been at it for 17 years now.

### What inspired you to revise your old book and create *How to Travel the World on $75 a Day*?

The previous edition was released in 2017, and since then, the world has undergone significant changes due to COVID. The pandemic has permanently impacted the travel sector. Many businesses shut down, traditional money-saving strategies became outdated, new methods emerged, new companies were founded, destinations shifted, and of course, prices have increased substantially.

With the drastic changes in travel, I wanted my book to represent the current challenges travelers face regarding trip planning, budget management, and navigating various regions. Knowing how to be a savvy budget traveler is very different from what it was in 2017, so I aimed to ensure everyone had the latest information on how to do it!

### What are some of the exciting updates in the new edition?

In *How to Travel the World on $75 a Day*, you’ll uncover a wealth of new insights. I ended up rewriting about 80% of the book due to the significant changes in travel. I initially thought it would be a simple update, but it evolved into a complete rewrite! Some notable updates include:

– A new section dedicated to earning and redeeming points and miles
– An entirely revamped resource section filled with companies and accommodations I adore
– Expanded information on overtourism and tips on responsible travel
– Substantially revised, updated, and broadened destination sections that offer new prices, savings methods, dining recommendations, accommodation options, transportation, and activities
– New tricks on how to save money before your trip
– Fresh strategies for affording accommodations, including options for free stays
– New savings tips on transportation, featuring updated information on transit passes

### I imagine many people are fixated on the $75 figure…

Indeed – opinions vary widely! Some people believe that amount is excessive because they consider themselves “real travelers” who can do it for less (there are always individuals keen to showcase they travel better than others) while others argue that the figure appears insufficient.

**Overlanding from Namibia to Angola: An Adventure into the Unknown**

Overlanding from Namibia to Angola turned out to be an absolute gamble. All we really understood was that this southern African nation had been under Portuguese rule for approximately 400 years and was caught in a prolonged civil conflict that lasted until 2002. To orchestrate our Angola journey, we decided to reach the border town of Rundu, Namibia, and seek some local insights on how to navigate to and around the adjacent town of Calai…but we couldn’t locate anyone who had experience there! Google Maps indicated that one had to detour for eight hours to cross the river, and Booking.com yielded no accommodations…but this only fueled our curiosity and desire to delve into Southern Angola!

**Namibia-Angola Border Crossing at Calai**

As we crossed the footbridge over the Okavango River, we bid farewell to Namibia and greeted Angola with an “ola.” The immigration officer communicated exclusively in Portuguese, so with our best attempt at Portuñol pidgin, we articulated that our four-day Angola adventure was for “ferias” (holiday purposes) and relished the gratifying sound of our passport receiving a stamp. We may have been “in,” but we remained blissfully unaware of what awaited us.

A fleet of moto taxis beckoned us over. With no cars around, our only option was to hop on with a stranger and hope we were heading in the same direction. Vrrrooom, we zipped through the sandy pathways and reached central Calai: two streets lined with shops, an open-air market, a Portuguese bar…and just one guesthouse!

**Where to Stay in Calai**

We opened the expansive gate to the secure Tchingwali Guesthouse, delighted to discover a tropical garden, a full-service restaurant, and lovely rooms complete with AC and private bathrooms for $16. Who would have guessed?! As vegans unable to communicate in Portuguese, it was somewhat challenging to identify the best plant-based dishes. Maize porridge forms the cornerstone of most meals in Southern Africa and carries various names (pap, ugali, funge, etc.) while often being prepared thick enough to scoop up the accompanying vegetables and meats. We ordered funge, enjoying it with wild spinach mixed with peanuts and slowly cooked beans as sides. After our meal, we ordered another round of Cuca beer, simply because we adored the local custom of cerveja paired with a bottle opener delivered in a wicker basket.

**Government Permission to Explore**

We recognized that Calai wasn’t a tourist hotspot, but with the renowned Okavango River, we assumed there might be some water adventures on the horizon. We inquired at our guesthouse about organizing a boat excursion, but they told us, “Nowhere that we know of, maybe ask by the dock.” They left out that the “dock” was indeed a naval station, and they weren’t particularly welcoming to unexpected visitors.

Upon meeting several officers and undergoing extensive questioning (“Are you aiming to cross into Namibia? Why do you wish to canoe if you aren’t fishing? Are you a proficient swimmer? You do realize the river is filled with crocodiles, right?”), they gradually warmed up to our notion of a dugout canoe trip with a local fisherman…and they even requested a selfie to document our journey!

**Dugout Canoeing the Okavango River**

Wearing fire department life vests, we embarked with Segunda on his inaugural river-guiding adventure. He had never hosted passengers in his canoe but was well-acquainted with the river and pointed out fun eddies, charming islands, and hippo hiding spots. We generously tipped him and celebrated with (the best!) malasada donuts, marking what could become a new chapter in his career as a waterman. To ensure this opportunity continued, we connected him with the Tchingwali Guesthouse team so they could send future visitors on an Okavango canoe expedition with the wonderful Segunda!

**Road Tripping Southern Angola**

Next, we aimed to coordinate a road trip to discover more of Angola! There were only a few non-governmental vehicles in town, and fortunately, the best truck was parked at our guesthouse. Taking a leap of faith, we approached the vehicle owner, Peter, to see if he would accompany us around the Southern Angola countryside. This unexpected proposition led to an even grander invitation to ride along with him the next day on his 120km journey to Dirico, with a stop to meet one of the queens of the Cuando-Cubango province! He cautioned us that it would be a long day along a rough road, but it sounded like an incredible chance to us. Off we went on a thrilling adventure down a narrow highway, constructed by the Portuguese a century prior and engulfed in deep sand and dense brush. Amidst the walls of greenery, we occasionally caught sight of the magnificent Okavango River and the sporadic collections of mud-thatch huts.

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Our safari vehicle climbed into the Soutpansberg Mountains, traversing ancient acacia trees, rugged red cliffs, and striped kudu feeding in the underbrush. With each bend, excitement surged for our glamping experience in South Africa at Few & Far Luvhondo, a significant return for Sarah and Jacob Dusek to the realm of outdoor hospitality after parting with Under Canvas in 2018. Unlike their past approach of establishing glamping sites near the most visited national parks, they opted for a secluded area in Limpopo, dubbed “The Forgotten Mountains.”

Although the Soutpansberg Range is teeming with biodiversity and hosts numerous rare and endemic species within the UNESCO Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, it has been slowly deteriorating due to deforestation and mining, while also facing additional risks from proposed industrial projects. Taking on ecosystem restoration, alongside mining concerns and bureaucratic challenges, is no easy task, but if you’ve perused Sarah’s book, Thinking Bigger: A Pitch-Deck Formula for Women Who Want to Change the World…she is undoubtedly well-suited for the challenge.

Welcome to Few & Far

The rhythms of African drumming, a tray laden with lychee lemonade, fragrant warm hand towels, and friendly smiles greeted us at the entrance of Few & Far Luvhondo. The general manager, Giselle, escorted us to the main building, featuring a canvas design that encircled a tree, echoing the shape, strength, and timeless allure of the baobab. The Limpopo Province, particularly this location, is home to some of Southern Africa’s tallest baobabs. These “Trees of Life” profoundly influence the Duseks’ design philosophy and Few & Far’s strong sense of place.

Behind the Scenes: The dining area’s canvas roof didn’t arrive with the necessary opening, leading the co-founder Jacob to undertake the daunting task of creating an incision to fit it snugly around the tree. Transforming a design oversight into a family endeavor, it was ultimately installed with assistance from the Duseks’ two adolescent sons!

Cliff Suites

Giselle led us to our cliff suite, a C-curved canvas and wood arrangement offering expansive views at both ends. She highlighted the Few & Far field guide and binoculars on the desk, saying, “Be on the lookout for giraffe, nyala, and zebra; they are frequently spotted along the valley floor.” I imagined embarking on a safari directly from our outdoor shower, clawfoot tub, and luxurious canopy bed, and couldn’t help but grin.

After wishing us a wonderful stay, the hospitality continued with a handwritten note on the cocktail-and-espresso bar, “Welcome to Few & Far Luvhondo, we’re so delighted you’ve arrived in our forgotten mountains. We hope you’ll feel at home, discover a bit of magic in the wild, and perhaps carry it with you when you depart.”

Dining with Purpose

Lunch was served by the infinity pool, featuring a special guest, Dr. Dawn Cory Toussaint, Few & Far’s resident ecologist and reserve manager. With their bold vision to protect, rewild, and restore a continuous 100,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains, Dawn was among the initial hires in 2021. Small and radiant, she’s not the conventional figure you’d expect behind the excavator removing invasive species or clearing out dozens of poaching snares, but like all the women in Sarah’s circle, they should never be underestimated. While enjoying a delightful lunch of beetroot gnocchi and brick-oven pizzas made with farm-fresh vegetables, Dawn shared the encouraging news…

Conservation Goals & Achievements

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Few & Far and the Endangered Wildlife Trust, 11,000 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountains have recently received formal environmental protection, with an additional 25,000 hectares set for recognition later this year. We raised our glasses in honor and respect for Few & Far’s 50-year initiative to preserve a mountain range and sequester 100,000 tons of carbon each year.

Behind the Scenes: A conservation fee of $100 per person per day is included in a guest’s stay, funding Few & Far’s carbon offsetting projects and ecosystem restoration endeavors. For those wishing to contribute physically, guests may join the “Conservationist for a Day” program, which entails rewilding and carbon capture by eliminating invasive species and planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Female Empowerment

“Are you ready for your afternoon game drive?” asked a young woman clad in shades of green. With Sarah continuing her role as managing partner of Enygma Ventures, an investment fund for African female entrepreneurs, it’s only fitting that she hired Lizzie as a safari guide. Lizzie grew up having many of her meals at a nature reserve’s soup kitchen, but would linger each day to volunteer and gain knowledge about the environment. Her dedication…

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The California Gold Rush marked a significant turning point that reshaped the United States, attracting 300,000 individuals from across the country and around the globe in pursuit of wealth. This surge caused the swift expansion of towns in regions that were previously thinly populated and part of Mexico, primarily settled by Native Americans. Although the Gold Rush had catastrophic consequences for indigenous communities, it established the groundwork for California’s varied society, entrepreneurial vigor, and adventurous spirit.

To delve into California’s Gold Rush legacy, a three-week road trip through Gold Country serves as an ideal way to immerse oneself in the state’s Wild West heritage. California Highway 49, which crosses the Sierra Nevadas, connects various 19th-century Gold Rush localities from Yosemite National Park to the area north of Lake Tahoe. This picturesque route not only features historical landmarks but also stunning scenery, including mountains, rivers, lakes, and vineyards.

Gold Country encompasses ten counties in Central and Northern California, which include Madera, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Amador, Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Sierra. For your journey, concentrate on Tuolumne, Calaveras, El Dorado, and Placer counties, heading from south to north along Highway 49. This delightful two-lane route winds through oak woodlands and across rivers, mostly devoid of chain establishments.

In Tuolumne County, venture beyond Yosemite to uncover the Emigrant Wilderness and Stanislaus National Forest. Tour Columbia State Historic Park, a meticulously preserved Gold Rush town, and take a ride on the historic trains at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Experience horseback riding in Kennedy Meadows and drive along the picturesque Highway 108.

Calaveras County, famed for Mark Twain’s “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,” provides wineries, concerts, and outdoor escapades. Check out Angel’s Camp Museum, explore Moaning Caverns, and indulge in wine tasting in Murphys. Be sure to catch a concert at Ironstone Vineyards Amphitheater or try mountain biking on the Arnold Rim Trail.

El Dorado County features Sutter’s Mill and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where the Gold Rush commenced. Participate in gold panning, shop in Old Town Placerville, and investigate Gold Bug Mine. Stop by Apple Hill, a collective of family-run farms, and enjoy a concert at Delfino Farms’ Folk on the Farm.

Placer County, recognized for its endurance sports and wine country, presents a blend of history and adventure. Visit the Placer County Museum, stroll through Old Town Auburn, and check out the Placer Wine & Ale Trail. Navigate the Middle Fork of the American River for an exciting experience.

Gold Country is an essential component of a thorough California road trip, showcasing history, scenic beauty, and cultural depth. A voyage through this area grants a richer insight into California’s history and its lasting spirit of adventure.